Guzman: Reading is prepared to maximize its full potential, a more vibrant and better city is now within our reach
Designated as a City Revitalization and Improvement Zone, the program would renew the city’s downtown area, among other benefits
Rep. Manuel Guzman December 30, 2024 | 4:33 PM
READING, Dec. 30 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, said today that Reading has stepped into a defining new phase of economic growth following the announcement made by the Shapiro administration on Monday that the city has been granted the City Revitalization and Improvement Zone program designation.
Guzman, who has been key in the efforts that led to the city’s victory, indicated that this win comes a result of years-long work at the city and state level.
Earlier this year, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the 2024-25 bipartisan budget into law, which opened the program to allow qualified communities to participate in CRIZ for the first time since 2013.
“I am overjoyed. We are going to welcome 2025 with renewed hopes in our beloved city. This state-sponsored program is a resource that would help us advance the city and transform neglected areas into vibrant hubs,” said Guzman.
“This is a massive triumph for me as legislator, but mostly as a resident who is committed to turning around the city and make it brighter and better. What seemed for years a hard-to-attain goal is now within our reach; this is a tangible reality.”
Mayor Eddie Moran indicated that securing the CRIZ designation for Reading is a transformative step for the city.
“This achievement reflects our shared commitment to revitalizing our downtown, attracting new investment, and creating opportunities for all residents. It has always been my mission to position Reading for success and help it achieve its full potential as the city we know it can be,” Moran said.
“The CRIZ designation will provide us with the tools to unlock our potential, strengthen our community, and build a brighter future for generations to come. Together, we’re proving that Reading is ready for our next chapter,” Moran added.
Guzman, who serves as chairman of the Central Pennsylvania Delegation in the PA House, stressed the importance of getting the CRIZ designation.
“Reading is now prepared to spur innovation, attract new businesses and create new jobs,” he said.
Guzman explained that state and local taxes collected within the CRIZ are used to repay debt service to stimulate economic development projects within the CRIZ.
“Reading will now start writing its own success story in the same way that cities like Lancaster and Bethlehem have done after being granted the same designation,” Guzman said.
Reading and Erie received the designation. A CRIZ is an area of no more than 130 acres designated to serve third-class cities with a population of 30,000 or greater. Up to two zones are given this designation each fiscal year through the state Department of Community and Economic Development. The CRIZ program was created by Act 52 of 2013.